Volkov Theatre

Less than two kilometres from the Park Inn by Radisson Yaroslavl is the bright yellow neoclassical building that holds a special place in the Russian history, the Volkov Theatre. Founded in 1750 by the local actor Fyodor Volkov, it is officially the country’s oldest theatre. This theatre was the first to perform Hamlet in Russia, and Volkov himself was known for his radical interpretations of classical roles. He was actually so well known that Catherine the Great herself heard about him and invited him to St Petersburg to perform and help her build her own theatre.

Today, the theatre is still very well-known and respected, not only in Russia, but also throughout the world.

Performances at Volkov Theatre
The Volkov Theatre boasts works from Russia as well as classical and modern works from the rest of the world. When the theatre first started its performances the repertoire included internationally known names such as Shakespeare and Moliere, but also Russian playwrights, such as Lomonosov and Sumarokov. Liberty, freedom and humanism were some of the theatre’s pillars, values which are still reflected in the plays the company performs today. Amongst other playwrights it is worth mentioning Maxim Gorky, whose political plays still are being produced alongside comedies from Alexander Ostrovsky.

Visiting the Volkov Theatre
From the Volkov Theatre’s stage, several great Russian actors have emerged, such as Schepkin, Stanislavsky and Yermolova. Even the famous Yaroslav born singer, Leonid Sobinov, had some of his first concerts here. In the late 1960s, the company at the Volkov Theatre organised a theatrical school which was a great success. Over the years it developed and in 1981 it was granted status as state theatre institute.

Often the theatre’s ensemble goes on tour. It has given guest performances in several European big cities, such as Paris, Berlin and Bratislava, as well as Egypt, Washington D. C., Tokyo and New York. However, the best place to visit is at its own home, the Volkov Theatre. With central accommodation in Yaroslavl at the city’s Park Inn hotel, you can easily catch some of the performances, as well as visiting some of the other great attractions in the city. Why not combine a night at the theatre with a visit to the Valentina Tereshkova Cultural and Educational Center, commonly known as the Yaroslavl Planetarium? Book your stay in Yaroslavl today.